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NFL defense rankings 2025: Ranking defenses in NFL playoffs, offseason outlook for every team

NFL defense rankings
Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Who has the best NFL defense in 2025? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league every week to determine the best defenses in the NFL. With the regular season over, we’re now providing NFL analysis for defensive matchups in the NFL playoffs.

Let’s dive into our NFL defense rankings 2025. With the regular season over, we are ranking defenses in the NFL playoffs. For all teams eliminated from the NFL playoffs or who didn’t make it in, the analysis in our NFL defense rankings will focus on the offseason outlook.

Related: Early NFL free agency predictions 2025

NFL defensive statistics are from ESPN, RBSDM.com and Pro Football Reference. Of note, the majority of NFL stats used are entering Week 18. We cut off the final week of the regular season due to the number of starters that didn’t play in the final week.

NFL defense rankings 2025: Worst NFL defenses

32. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers had the worst NFL defense in 2024. Already short on talent, Carolina suffered early season-ending injuries to defensive tackle Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson. It resulted in a unit that ranked bottom-three in yards-per-play average allowed, pressure rate, QB rating allowed and the Panthers had the worst third-down defense and run defense in the NFL. A change at defensive play-caller (Ejiro Evero) is likely, but almost this entire unit needs to be overhauled.

  • Carolina Panthers free agents (defense): SS Jordan Fuller, LB Shaq Thompson, SS Nick Scott, S Xavier Woods, CB Michael Jackson, S Sam Franklin
  • Carolina Panthers team needs (defense): EDGE, S, LB, CB

Related: Regrading NFL coaching hires 2024

31. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense was a disappointment this past season. Defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who did great work with the Atlanta Falcons, just never seemed to be a schematic with the personnel on the Jaguars roster. Jacksonville entered Week 18 ranked 31st in Defensive EPA per Play (0.137), finishing bottom-five in scoring defense, QB rating allowed, QB hits and sack rate. Nielsen will be out with the Jaguars coaching change, but Jacksonville needs to address its secondary and find more pass-rushing help for Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. If the right moves are made, this could become a top-20 defense again.

  • Jacksonville Jaguars free agents (defense): FS Andre Cisco, DE Esezi Otomewo, DT Jeremiah Ledbetter,
  • Jacksonville Jaguars team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

Related: NFL coaching candidates 2025

30. New York Jets

The Robert Saleh firing was the biggest domino that led to the downfall of the New York Jets defense, but more went into it. Linebacker C.J. Mosley, 33 in June, played in just four games in 2024 and is now two years removed from earning second-team All-Pro. New York also lost edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to an Achilles injury in September. The big blow will likely come in NFL free agency, with cornerback D.J. Reed Jr likely departing for better opportunities. We do expect improvement from this unit being a bottom-five defense in the second half of the regular season, but it’s unlikely this will be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.

  • New York Jets free agents (defense): EDGE Haason Reddick, CB D.J. Reed, DT Javon Kinlaw, S Chuck Clark, S, Tony Adams, S Ashtyn Davis, DE Solomon Thomas, DT Leki Fotu
  • New York Jets team needs (defense): CB, DT, S

Related: New York Jets coaching candidates

29. New England Patriots

We anticipated defensive regression once Bill Belichick retired, but we never anticipated a top-10 defense in the second half of the 2023 NFL season finishing 2024 as one of the worst NFL defenses. Injuries and suspensions – Christian Barmore, Marcus Jones, Ja’Qhaun Bentley and Jabrill Peppers – played a part, but this just wasn’t a well-coached defense. New England has a promising No. 1 cornerback in Christian Gonzalez, but the Patriots have to find pass-rushing help after finishing bottom-five in pressure rate and a No. 2 cornerback is desperately needed, too.

  • New England Patriots free agents (defense): CB Jonathan Jones, S Brenden Schooler, S Jaylin Hawkins, DE Christian Elliss, OLB Oshane Ximines, DT Daniel Ekuale
  • New England Patriots team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

Related: New England Patriots coaching candidates

28. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans defense played well early in the regular season, holding its first nine opponents to 156.7 passing yards per game with a 32.1 percent third-down conversion rate. First-year Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson got the most he could out of this group, but good coaching only masked problems for so long. Tennessee had the second-worst pressure rate and the fourth-fewest QB hits (65) in the regular season. Adding more talent around Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat will certainly make a difference in 2025, but Tennessee could also improve at outside corner. We’re optimistic, with improvements, Wilson could be running a top-20 defense next season.

  • Tennessee Titans free agents (defense): SS Quandre Diggs, DT Marlon Davidson, DT Keondre Coburn, CB Darrell Baker Jr, DT Sebastian Joseph, OLB Jerome Baker
  • Tennessee Titans team needs (defense): CB, EDGE, ILB

Related: 2025 NFL Draft order, NFL draft picks by team 2025

27. Cincinnati Bengals

A lot of blame for the decline of the Cincinnati Bengals defense over the last two seasons falls on the front office and ownership. Letting the likes of D.J. Reader, Jessie Bates and CHidobe Awuzie walk in free agency results in a talent drain that can only be fixed by a financially conservative franchise through the NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, many of the recent Bengals draft picks – Myles Murphy, DJ Turner, Jordan Battle, Cam Taylor-Britt and Joseph Ossai – never met expectations. The lack of player development and poor schematic fit also falls on defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. There’s very little reason to expect noteworthy improvement from the Bengals’ defense in 2025. It could get even worse if Trey Hendrickson requests a trade, since the team seemingly won’t sign him to an extension.

  • free agents (defense): CB Mike Hilton, SS Vonn Bell, EDGE Joseph Ossai, DT B.J. Hill, CB Marco Wilson
  • team needs (defense): DT, EDGE, CB

Related: NFL trade candidates 2025

26. New Orleans Saints

One major theme with the worst NFL defenses in 2025 is poor coaching and player development. The New Orleans Saints certainly check some of those boxes. Zach Baun, the 74th overall pick in 2020, went from a special-teamer with the Saints to an All-Pro linebacker with the Philadelphia Eagles. New Orleans also hasn’t gotten much out of recent top picks like Bryan Bresee, Alontae Taylor or Payton Turner. After being carried by veterans, the likes of Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis will be 36 years old before next season. Already $60-plus million over the NFL salary cap in 2025, with little flexibility to improve the roster, we expect New Orleans to get even worse defensively next season.

  • New Orleans Saints free agents (defense): EDGE Chase Young, FS Tyrann Mathieu, ILB Willie Gay Jr, CB Paulson Adebo, S Will Harris
  • New Orleans Saints team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB, S

Related: NFL stadium rankings

25. New York Giants

The good news for this New York Giants defense is that it will have All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence back next season. So if Kayvon Thibodeaux can make a fourth-year leap, with Brian Burns under contract, this Giants defensive line can be a strong force in 2025. However, fans saw plenty of evidence this season that this Giants secondary can’t be trusted in coverage even with an above-average pass rush. New York needs better talent at cornerback. There’s also a lot of room to improve versus the run for a unit that allowed six games of 150-plus rushing yards to opponents this past season.

  • New York Giants free agents (defense): LB Isaiah Simmons, CB Adoree Jackson, EDGE Azeez Ojulari, ILB Matthew Adams, CB Elijah Riley, OLB Patrick Johnson, FS Jason Pinnock
  • New York Giants team needs (defense):

Related: Worst NFL owners

24. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears defense was a massive disappointment this season. While cornerback Jaylon Johnson played very well, fellow outside corner Tyrqiue Stevenson proved to be a liability. Chicago also has to be underwhelmed by the lack of production from edge rusher Montez Sweat (5.5 sacks in 15 games). A new defensive play-caller will help in some regards, but the Bears needed another proven edge rusher and this unit must find some run-stuffing defensive tackles.

  • Chicago Bears free agents (defense): EDGE Darrell Taylor, OLB Jake Martin, DT Chris Williams, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga
  • Chicago Bears team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, FS, CB

Related: NFL coaching carousel predictions

23. Las Vegas Raiders

We’ll start with the good news regarding the Las Vegas Raiders defense. Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins will be back from season-ending injuries, giving Las Vegas one of the best defensive line tandems in the NFL. Unfortunately, the Raiders also have two quality starters hitting NFL free agency and this team had one of the worst cornerback trio in the NFL. With holes at the No. 2 edge rusher and linebacker Robert Spillane potentially hitting the open market, Las Vegas will need to get creative to address all the needs this spring.

  • Las Vegas Raiders free agents (defense): S Marcus Epps, LB Robert Spillane, DT John Jenkins, S Trevon Moehrig, DT Adam Butler, EDGE Malcolm Koonce, LB Divine Deable, CB Nate Hobbs, CB Darnay Holmes
  • Las Vegas Raiders team needs (defense): CB, ILB, EDGE

Related: Promising Las Vegas Raiders news on offseason spending

22. Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz turned the Cleveland Browns defense around in 2023, fielding one of the best NFL defenses in the first half of the season. However, signs of regression started showing up in late November and carried over into the 2025 season. Getting linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah back will certainly help, but this team is also hurting from the lack of a developed No. 2 corner and the absence of a complementary edge rusher opposite of Myles Garrett. JOK’s return could make this a league-average defense next season, but it will probably take a few additions as well.

  • Cleveland Browns free agents (defense): DT Maurice Hurst, ILB Devin Bush, FS Rodney McLeod, ILB Khaleke Hudson, CB Michael FOrd, OLB James Houston
  • Cleveland Browns team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

Related: Richest NFL owners

21. San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have been near the top of our NFL defense rankings for several years, but time catches up with every unit. Tight against the NFL salary cap before a Brock Purdy contract extension, there’s at least a chance two of Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga don’t re-sign this offseason. San Francisco does have two emerging standouts at cornerback – Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir – but we could also be staring at defensive tackle Javon Hargrave becoming a cap casualty. The 49ers defense had already lost significant depth over the years and barring a strong 2025 NFL Draft class, this unit will be even thinner in ’25.

  • San Francisco 49ers free agents (defense): CB Charvarius Ward, LB Dre Greenlaw, S Talanoa Hufanga, LB De’Vondre Campbell, DT Kevin Givens, CB Isaac Yiadom, DT Khalil Davis, CB Rock Ya-Sin
  • San Francisco 49ers team needs (defense): ILB, DT, CB, S

Related: Best NFL players of all time

NFL defense rankings: Offseason outlook for eliminated teams

20. Dallas Cowboys

Losing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took a bigger toll on the Dallas Cowboys defense than many expected. It also doesn’t help that DaRon Bland missed half the season, Micah Parsons couldn’t play in multiple games and both DeMarcus Lawrence, Trevon Diggs and DeMarvion Overshown suffered season-ending injuries. Unfortunately, Overshown’s severe knee injury might also keep him out in 2025. Meanwhile, Diggs has suffered season-ending injuries in consecutive years and Lawrence will be 33 in April. When everyone is healthy, this can be a top-12 defense, but that’s far from a guarantee and Dallas is still weak at several spots. Dallas also has several impact players eligible for free agency.

  • Dallas Cowboys free agents (defense): EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, LB Eric Kendricks, CB Jourdan Lewis, DT Linval Joseph, DT Osa Odighizuwa
  • Dallas Cowboys team needs (defense): DT, LB, S

Related: Mike McCarthy could leave Dallas Cowboys for another NFC coaching job

19. Indianapolis Colts

It’s the same story it’s been for this Indianapolis Colts defense heading into every NFL offseason for several years now. Up front, Indianapolis can create some problems with DeForest Buckner, Grover Stewart and Kwity Paye but the play at cornerback just gets exposed. A slightly more recent development, the Colts had a bottom-10 linebacker corps in 2024. Replacing Gus Bradley, whose scheme is outdated and exploited relatively easily, would be a first step towards improvement from the Colts defense. Even more critical, though, might be replacing general manager Chris Ballard and bringing someone in who will use NFL free agency to solve long-term issues with this team.

  • Indianapolis Colts free agents (defense): LB E.J. Speed, S Julian Blackmon, DE Dayo Odeyingbon, DT Taven Bryan, OLB Grant Stuard
  • Indianapolis Colts team needs (defense): S, CB, LB

Related: NFL players who could retire after this season

18. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have the playmaker at safety (Jessie Bates III) and the shutdown cornerback (A.J. Terrell) to at least field an above-average defense. There’s even more room for optimism in 2025 because it will be the second year in Raheem Morris’ system with new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulrbich providing a significant upgrade over Jimmy Lake. However, this was often one of the worst NFL defenses in 2024 because Atlanta couldn’t get after the quarterback. Pressure is critical to defensive success and with Grady Jarrett entering his age-32 season, it’s more critical than ever for the Falcons front office to devote significant resources to this defensive front.

  • Atlanta Falcons free agents (defense): EDGE Matthew Judon, FS Justin Simmons, OLB Lorenzo Carter, EDGE Kentavius Street, S Richie Grant, CB Antonio Hamilton, DT Eddie Goldman, CB Mike Hughes
  • Atlanta Falcons team needs (defense): EDGE, LB, DT

Related: Where NFL revenue comes from

17. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals defense exceeded our expectations in 2024 and that’s a credit to Jonathan Gannon. After performing like one of the worst NFL defenses in September, Arizona steadily climbed the NFL defense rankings with some impressive performances. However, shortcomings remain. The Cardinals finished bottom 10 in pressure rate and bottom five in QB knockdown rate. Fortunately, Budda Baker signed a contract extension during the season. Arizona has an excellent opportunity in both the NFL Draft and free agency to inject much-needed juice into this pass rush and, hopefully, find a high-end cornerback. If Gannon gets more help, he could orchestrate a top-12 defense.

  • Arizona Cardinals free agents (defense): EDGE Kyzir White, OLB Dennis Gardeck, DE LJ Collier, LB Baron Browning, OLB Julian Okwara, DT Roy Lopez
  • Arizona Cardinals team needs (defense): EDGE, DT, CB

Related: NFL games today, NFL playoffs schedule

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (14)

A healthy Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2025 (9 games played in 2024) will certainly help this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Of course, even that won’t be remotely enough. Tampa Bay needs pass-rushing help and it desperately needs to make improvements at cornerback. We’ll likely only see marginal additions made, giving the Buccaneers a ceiling of a top-14 defense next season.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agents 2025 (defense): LB Lavonte Davis, DT Greg Gaines, OLB Joe Tryon, OLB Anthony Nelson, EDGE William Gholston, CB Bryce Hall, S Mike Edwards
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, LB

15. Los Angeles Rams

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Chris Shula got far more out of this Los Angeles Rams defense than we expected. It certainly helped that rookie Jared Verse played like a Pro Bowle dge rusher and fellow rookie Braden Fiske was also a standout in 2024. Heading into the offseason, Los Angeles can feel excellent about its defensive line in the next two-plus years. In order for this to become one of the best NFL defenses in 2025, though, the Rams need to overhaul their secondary and they could stand to upgrade at off-ball linebacker.

  • Los Angeles Rams free agents 2025 (defense): DT Mike Hoecht, SS John Johnson, LB Chrisitan Rozeboom, CB Ahkello Witherspoon, DT Bobby Brown, DE Neville Gallimore, LB Troy Reeder
  • Los Angeles Rams team neneds (defense): CB, S, LB

14. Miami Dolphins

In his first year as defensive coordinator, Anthony Weaver did great work with the Miami Dolphins defense. What makes the success of this defense particularly impressive is the fact it largely came without Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips seeing the field in 2024. However, both edge rushers have proven they are not safe bets to be as effective and stay healthy next season. Miami is also going to have a void at safety to fill and it will almost certainly lose defensive tackle Calais Campbell. The hope is, that if Weaver isn’t hired as a head coach, he will help Chop Robinson take a big step forward in 2025. A lot would need to go right for this to be a top-10 defense next season, but it should at least be a top-15 unit barring another season of critical injuries.

  • Miami Dolphins free agents (defense): FS Jevon Holland, ILB Tyrell Dodson, EDGE Emmanuel Ogbah, OLB Duke Riley, EDGE Calais Campbell, FS Jordan Poyer, S Siran Neal, ILB Anthony Walker Jr
  • Miami Dolphins team needs (defense): CB, S, EDGE

Related: NFL QB rankings

13. Pittsburgh Steelers (8)

T.J. Watt wasn’t the same – 0 sacks and 0 QB hits – after suffering an ankle injury on Dec. 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers defense began crumbling long before that. From Weeks 13-18, opponents averaged 253 passing yards and 114.2 rushing yards per game with a 14-5 TD-INT line, 72.5% completion rate and a 105.2 QB rating.

That same defense showed up against the Baltimore Ravens, who erupted for 300 rushing yards with a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. Even without No. 1 receiver Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson still finished with a 132.0 QB rating, 2-0 TD-INT line and a 76.2% completion rate. With some key players hitting free agency and this unit getting progressively worse, there’s a real likelihood this unit will take a step backward in 2025.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers free agents 2025 (defense): CB Donte Jackson, LB Elandon Roberts, S Damontae Kazee, CB Cam Sutton, ILB Tyler Matakevich
  • Pittsburgh Steelers team needs (defense): CB, DE, ILB

Related: Pittsburgh Steelers coaching candidates 2025

12. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers defense kept Justin Herbert and Co. in the game for nearly three quarters, but a 17-game regular season followed by a lot of time on the field in the Wild Card Round eventually took a toll. What matters moving forward are the developments we saw from this unit in 2024.

Related: Los Angeles Chargers Draft Picks 2025

First, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter already looks like one of the best defensive strategists in the AFC. He helped Derwin James Jr. return to an All-Pro level, rookie cornerback Tarheeb Still looks like a No. 1 in the near future and Poona Ford had a breakout season. We’re confident this is just the start for what should be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025, as long as talent keeps being added at some key spots.

  • Los Angeles Chargers free agents (defense): EDGE Khalil Mack, DE Morgan Gox, CB Kristian Fulton, LB Denel Perryman, CB Asant Samuel Jr, LB Troy Dye, DL Poona Ford
  • Los Angeles Chargers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, ILB

11. Green Bay Packers (11)

The hiring of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley worked out beautifully for the Green Bay Packers. After years of being saddled with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, Green Bay finished seventh against the run in 2024. Meanwhile, Xavier McKinney delivered an All-Pro season and rookies Edgerrin Cooper and Evan Williams look like stars in their own right.

However, there are some glaring holes in the Packers defense. Rashan Gary appears nowhere close to replicating his production from before his contract extension and Jaire Alexander is no longer reliable to play even 12 games. Green Bay needs to find a No. 1 edge rusher this offseason and potentially a high-end cornerback. Getting both in the same offseason will prove difficult.

  • Green Bay Packers free agents 2025 (defense): DT T.J. Slaton, LB Isaiah McDuffie, CB Eric Stokes, CB Corey Ballentine, S Zayne Anderson, LB Eric Wilson
  • Green Bay Packers team needs (defense): EDGE, CB, DT

Related: Green Bay Packers free agent targets 2025

10. Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024. Under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, this unit took a massive leap forward and finished the regular season ranked second in ESPN Pass Rush Win Rate (46 percent) and first in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.100). With Joseph seemingly not getting a head-coaching gig in 2025, Denver gets him back next season.

There’s still plenty of room for this unit to improve. No. 2 corner Riley Moss played very well in his first full season as a starter opposite of Pat Surtain II, demonstrating he can be a long-term starter. Now, Denver needs to replace safety P.J. Locke and shore up a run defense that allowed 110-plus yards in four of its last five games.

  • Denver Broncos free agents 2025 (defense): LB Cody Barton, LB Zach Cunningham, DT D.J. Jones, CB Tremon Smith, LB Justin Strnad
  • Denver Broncos team needs (defense): LB, S

Related: Offseason moves the Denver Broncos should make

9. Baltimore Ravens

One of the biggest priorities for the Baltimore Ravens this offseason needs to be replacing cornerback Brandon Stephens. He was one of the worst NFL cornerbacks in 2024, allowing over 900 receiving yards with a 106.1 QB rating in 17 starts. If Baltimore can find a reliable No. 2 cornerback, this can be the best pass defense in the NFL next season.

Another area for improvement is at edge rusher. Baltimore does a good job maximizing what it has and it helped lead Kyle Van Noy to have a phenomenal season at age 34, but he likely can’t replicate that. The issue for Baltimore, with less than $20 million in cap space, will be figuring out how to address both spots adequately. The good news is, a majority of Baltimore’s defensive starters are under contract for 2025.

  • Baltimore Ravens free agents 2025 (defense): CB Tre’Davious White, LB Malik Harrison, EDGE Brent Urban, CB Brandon Stephens, ILB Kristian Welch
  • Baltimore Ravens team needs (defense): EDGE, CB

8. Detroit Lions

With the season over, it’s worth revisiting just how good this Detroit Lions defense was before injuries wiped nearly everyone out. From Weeks 1-11, opponents averaged just a 73.6 QB rating with a 7-14 TD-INT ratio, 94.9 rushing yards per game with a 30.36% third-down conversion rate. Over that same span, Detroit ranked second in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.117). Fortunately, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Malcolm Rodriguez, Amik Robertson and Ennis Rakestraw Jr will all return healthy in 2025.

  • Detroit Lions free agents (defense): CB Carlton Davis, DT Levi Onwuzurike, LB Derrick Barnes, EDGE Marcus Davenport, DB Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Emmanuel Mosley, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
  • Detroit Lions team needs (defense): EDGE, LB

However, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is almost certainly leaving for a head-coaching job. Beloved in the locker room and well-regarded for his ability to both help develop players and make adjustments amid injuries, that’s a massive loss for Detroit. The Lions also are poised to see several key contributors hit the open market. Losing Glenn and some depth drops Detroit a few spots in our 2025 NFL defense rankings, but a healthy McNeill and Hutchinson with development from Rakestraw and Terrion Arnold leaves us very optimistic about this unit next season.

Related: Detroit Lions offseason moves to remain Super Bowl contenders

7. Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks will be much higher in our NFL defense rankings when we reseed teams after the playoffs. It typically takes a year for players to get a firm grasp of Mike Macdonald’s system, with the big leap coming in the second year. We already saw signs of it in the second half of the 2024 campaign. Seattle ranked seventh in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.024) after Week 7. In an eight-game stretch from Weeks 9-17, opponents averaged just 202.4 passing yards and 97.8 rushing yards per game with an 85.5 QB rating, 14 total touchdowns (1.75 per game) and a 35 percent third-down conversion rate. If the Seahawks can just shore things up at inside linebacker and find a little more depth at edge rusher, this can be one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.

  • Seattle Seahawks free agents (defense): LB Ernest Jones, DT Johnathan Hankins, DE Jarran Reed, S K’Von Wallace, DE Trevis Gipson, CB Tre Brown
  • Seattle Seahawks team needs (defense): LB, EDGE

Related: NFL power rankings 2025

6. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024 and it stands to reason much of that success can be maintained assuming Brian Flores returns as defensive coordinator. Minnesota can feel great about what Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel did this season. Plus, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. can be even better if he stays healthy. Minnesota boasts an excellent pass rush and Flores dials up blitzes and coverages better than almost anyone. The next step is making improvements in the secondary, which was often made to look better than it actually is thanks to the defensive front.

  • Minnesota Vikings free agents 2025 (defense): S Harrison Smith, CB Byron Murphy Jr, CB Stephon Gilmore, GB Shaquille Griffin, DT Jerry Tillery, DE Jonathan Bullard,
  • Minnesota Vikings team needs (defense): CB, S

5. Houston Texans

The Houston Texans will have one of the best NFL defenses in 2025. It starts at edge rusher with the tandem of Danielle Hunter, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and emerging perennial All-Pro Will Anderson Jr. Two elite edge rushers are disruptive enough for opponents’ passing games and it’s now even harder to pass on Houston because of the cornerback tandem of Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter, which could be the best duo in the NFL next season.

  • Houston Texans free agents 2025 (defense): DT Folorunso Fatukasi, S Eric Murray, DT Mario Edwards Jr, DE Derek Barnett, LB Neville Hewitt
  • Houston Texans team needs (defense): DT, LB

We also love head coach DeMeco Ryans, who keeps orchestrating aggressive defenses even when injuries strike. Fortunately for Houston, it will be in a much better position at safety next season with Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward returning from IR. If the Texans can just bolster their interior defensive line, this could be the best NFL defense in 2025.

Related: Top NFL free agents 2025

Best NFL defenses in playoffs

4. Washington Commanders

NFL defense rankings
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The Washington Commanders have the worst defense in the NFL playoffs. What’s particularly concerning is their vulnerabilities can be easily exploited in the NFC Championship Game. Washington allowed its fourth 200-yard rushing performance of the season in the Divisional Round and now faces an All-Pro behind a strong offensive line. It’s not the only concern.

Related: NFC Championship Game predictions

  • Washington Commanders run defense stats: 137.5 rushing yards per game allowed (30th), 4.8 yards-per-carry average allowed (28th), Rush EPA -0.019 (26th), 42.9% Rush Success Rate (24th)

Washington’s No. 1 cornerback Marshon Lattimore has allowed a perfect 158.3 QB rating when targeted in coverage during the NFL Playoffs. Unfortunately for Dan Quinn, Benjamin St-Juste and Noah Igbinoghene have been even worse. If the Commanders are going to have any shot of winning the NFC title, Jayden Daniels will have to be the hero once again.

Related: Washington Commanders free agent targets 2025

3. Buffalo Bills

NFL defense rankings
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Three takeaways saved the Buffalo Bills defense in the Divisional Round. Without those, the Ravens offense recorded a 70 percent third-down conversion rate and averaged 7.3 yards per play. Buffalo also really struggled to generate any consistent pressure on Lamar Jackson in the second half. Those are concerns heading into a matchup against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs

Considering that Isaiah Likely and Mark Andrews combined for 134 receiving yards against Buffalo, even with drops, that bodes well for Travis Kelce. One thing in the Bills’ favor, however, the Chiefs haven’t run the football effectively since moving Joe Thuney from guard to left tackle. With the Chiefs’ offense not prone to mistakes, we could be headed for a high-scoring AFC Championship Game.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (6)

NFL defense rankings
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This is a different Kansas City Chiefs defense when healthy. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Watson returned to the field in the Divisional Round. With two cornerbacks he could trust in coverage, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up the pressure and wreaked havoc in the Texans’ backfield with 14 QB hits and 8 sacks. However, let’s keep in mind the Texans’ offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL this season. That’s not going to be the case in the AFC Championship Game.

Related: Comparing Patrick Mahomes playoff resume to all-time greats

  • Kansas City Chiefs run defense (last 5 games): 732 rushing yards allowed (146.4 rush ypg), 5.2 yards-per-carry average, 4 rushing touchdowns allowed

Kansas City’s blue-chip talent can be a difference-maker in this game. Trent McDuffie is an All-Pro capable of shadowing No. 1 receivers and containing them, as he did with Nico Collins. Jones’s return also creates easier matchups for George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu. One concern we do have, though, is what has happened to Kansas City’s run defense in the last five games.

1. Philadelphia Eagles (1)

NFL defense rankings
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The Philadelphia Eagles have the best defense in the NFL playoffs. However, we’ve seen this unit encounter its share of problems when matched up against Jayden Daniels. With the way the Washington Commanders rookie quarterback has performed in his first two postseason starts – making NFL history with consecutive games of 300-plus total yards – there’s reason to believe he can shine again.

  • Philadelphia Eagles defense (2024): 4.7 yards per play allowed (1st), 82.5 QB rating allowed, 104.2 rushing yards per game allowed (11th), 17.8 PPG allowed (2nd)
  • Philadelphia Eagles defense vs Washington (2024): 5.0 yards per play, 92.0 QB rating, 103 rushing yards per game, 27 PPG allowed

One fortunate thing for this Eagles’ defense is Washington losing guard Sam Cosmi to a season-ending knee injury. It means Philadelphia can use Jalen Carter or Jordan Davis against backup guard Nick Allegretti. The Eagles defensive line already had a huge advantage in this matchup, now it’s even more one-sided. This will all come down to Daniels.

Related: Stats to Know for Washington Commanders vs Philadelphia Eagles matchup

NFL defense stats 2024

NFL defense rankings FAQ

What is the best defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best defense in the NFL right now.

Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills lead the NFL in takeaways this season with 31.

What NFL defense is best for fantasy?

The Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.

What is the NFL defense rankings?

Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings evaluate and rank all 32 NFL defenses each week, reviewing their performances and projecting how they’ll perform in their upcoming game based on matchups and NFL defense stats.

NFL team sack leaders 2024

NFL teams with fewest sacks

  1. Denver Broncos – 49
  2. Houston Texans – 45
  3. Baltimore Ravens – 44
  4. Dallas Cowboys – 42
  5. Minnesota Vikings – 42
  6. New York Giants – 41
  7. Green Bay Packers – 40
  8. Los Angeles Chargers – 40
  9. New York Jets – 39
  10. Philadelphia Eagles – 39
  1. Buffalo Bills – 32
  2. Los Angeles Rams – 31
  3. Detroit Lions – 31
  4. Tennessee Titans – 28
  5. Miami Dolphins – 28
  6. New England Patriots – 27
  7. Jacksonville Jaguars – 26
  8. Carolina Panthers – 26
  9. Cincinnati Bengals – 25
  10. Atlanta Falcons – 23

Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.

Who has the best defense in NFL history?

USA TODAY Sports

The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best NFL defense ever. Led by three Hall of Famers – Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton – Chicago allowed just 101 total points on its way to winning Super Bowl XX, including an NFL record two shutouts in the playoffs. In addition, the 1985 Bears’ defense held opponents to a 50.2 passer rating with a 46.5 percent completion rate and 17-37 TD-INT ratio in 19 total games and opponents averaged just 76 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry across 19 contests in the regular season and playoffs.

Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst pass defense in the NFL, allowing the most passing yards per game (264.3), the most touchdown passes (27) and the highest QB rating (108.3).

Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history

What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?

The top 5 NFL defenses are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars allow the most passing yards in the NFL this season.

What teams have the best defense in the NFL?

The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings have the best defenses in the NFL this season.

Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest passing yards per game (173.4), the fifth-fewest passing touchdowns (15) and the sixth-lowest QB rating (82.8).

Who has the best run defense in the NFL?

The Baltimore Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and the lowest yards per carry average.

Who has the worst defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst NFL defense right now.

Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL this year, allowing the most rushing yards per game (173) and the second-most rushing touchdowns (19).

What team has the most sacks in a season?

The Chicago Bears set the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72 sacks in 16 games in 1984. Most recently, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles became just the fourth team in NFL history to record 70 sacks in a single season.

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